How can we use our resources to further God's kingdom today? Opening the Text “and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, Susanna, and many others. They were ministering to them out of their own means.” (Luke 8:3) What We Learn from Joanna, Susanna, and Many Others - Ordinary believers, not apostles, funded the public ministry of Jesus. - They did so “out of their own means,” showing intentional, consistent stewardship. - Their giving enabled travel, food, lodging, and the ongoing proclamation of the gospel. Core Principles for Kingdom Stewardship Today - Everything we possess belongs to God first (Psalm 24:1; 1 Chronicles 29:14). - Giving is worship: “Honor the LORD with your wealth” (Proverbs 3:9). - Generosity is sowing seed: “whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6). - Eternity realigns priorities: “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). - The heart follows the wallet (Matthew 6:21). Practical Ways to Deploy Resources - Finance frontline evangelism, Bible translation, and church planting. - Support pastors, missionaries, and theology students so they minister without distraction (Philippians 4:15-19). - Relieve suffering in Jesus’ name: food banks, medical aid, crisis pregnancy centers, disaster relief (Acts 4:34-35). - Open your home for small groups, hospitality to traveling ministers, or foster care. - Leverage professional skills—legal, medical, IT, carpentry—for kingdom projects. - Use vehicles to transport people to church, youth events, or outreach. - Direct business profits toward gospel ventures and ethical employment. - Harness digital platforms for teaching, encouragement, and evangelism. Guarding the Heart While Giving - Avoid pride and publicity (Matthew 6:3-4). - Refuse anxiety over provision: “my God will supply all your needs” (Philippians 4:19). - Cultivate contentment: “having food and clothing, we will be content” (1 Timothy 6:8). - Pursue accountability and transparency to keep finances above reproach (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). Promised Blessings and Eternal Impact - Spiritual abundance: “God is able to make all grace abound to you” (2 Corinthians 9:8). - Tangible return: “Give, and it will be given to you… running over” (Luke 6:38). - Eternal reward: “lay up treasure… so that they may lay hold of that which is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19). - Gospel advance: Every dollar, skill, and hour surrendered becomes part of Christ’s ongoing mission, just as in Luke 8:3. |
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